The United Arab Emirates has achieved the highest global ranking on the newly launched Health Inclusivity Index, highlighting its international leadership in community-driven healthcare, awareness programs, and preventive health services.
The announcement was made during a high-level policy dialogue held in Abu Dhabi, where healthcare leaders and experts gathered to mark this milestone.
Developed by Halion in collaboration with The Economist Impact, the Health Inclusivity Index evaluates 40 countries across 58 sub-indicators, covering health literacy, awareness, inclusion, and equity. The UAE secured the top position overall, ranking first globally in health awareness initiatives and community engagement, and second in universal health system implementation.
Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, underscored the importance of community involvement, stating:
“Our commitment to prevention and public awareness is the cornerstone of building a resilient, inclusive health system. Awareness and cooperation within the community are essential pillars for a healthy and sustainable future.”
The UAE’s health literacy ranking, now tenth globally, has improved by 30% over the past three years due to effective national campaigns, enhanced healthcare access, and strengthened cross-sector partnerships. The Index’s findings validate the impact of the UAE’s people-centered approach, which aligns healthcare delivery with community needs and long-term well-being.
Experts highlighted the economic advantages of improved health literacy. According to the report, reducing poor health literacy by 25% could save $2.3 billion annually worldwide. Investments in areas like oral health education and anemia treatment are also shown to significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Bradley Jones of the UAE-UK Business Council praised bilateral partnerships for transforming data into actionable policy. Similarly, Arda Arat, Managing Director of Halion, noted, “The Index is not just a measuring stick, but a call to action to remove barriers to everyday health.”
As the UAE sets a global example, the Health Inclusivity Index marks the start of a broader initiative to integrate inclusive health models across the region, proving that equitable healthcare and strong community engagement are essential to building healthier, more resilient societies.
